The state of South Dakota and the South Dakota Community Foundation will give a combined $1 million to boost agriculture education efforts if the South Dakota Agriculture Foundation can raise $4 million in the next five years.

Gov. Dennis Daugaard and ag industry leaders announced the funding match promise Tuesday in Sioux Falls, on a day celebrated as National Agriculture Day.

"Agriculture in South Dakota is about more than producing food and fuel and fiber, it's about producing values, character in our youth and in our society," he said.

And to ensure young people and others learn about agriculture and better understand the importance it carries in the state and beyond, donors should support efforts to fund educational programs, Daugaard said.

The challenge comes two years after the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation was created. The foundation has granted funds to 23 organizations to date.

POET on Tuesday announced that it would put $250,000 toward the $4-million goal, boosting the fundraising total to $286,000 so far.

"Our next ag leaders must learn quickly how to succeed in a challenging environment," POET CEO Jeff Broin said. “Our nation's economic well-being, the spirit of rural America and, in my opinion, a bright future for our children and grandchildren depend on it."